Family and friends grieve the loss of 11-year-old Keontae Hilderbrand, who was killed in a DUI collision in Virginia.

 Keontae Hilderbrand, age 11, lost his life in a collision in Henry County, Virginia, and his family is in deep sorrow. Keontae, who had just begun sixth grade at Reidsville Middle School, was regarded as a gifted student and a future community leader.

Keontae and 45-year-old mother of three Misty Holland were killed after 60-year-old Charles Boulding of Eden, North Carolina, entered the middle lane while driving under the influence of drugs, according to authorities. Boulding was admitted to the hospital along with two other people who were hurt and taken there. While the investigation is ongoing, he is currently facing DUI accusations.

The family's sorrow and annoyance were conveyed by Keontae's grandmother, Pamela Neal: "He should have chosen to remain at home. My grandson would have joined us today if he [Boulding] had not been traveling. "Think about the life you can take from someone who loves them," said Timothy Hilderbrand, his father, in an appeal to the public to think about the terrible repercussions of driving while intoxicated.

Keontae was traveling to or from Eden for the River Fest, which he had been going to since he was six years old. The family will celebrate the life of a young child who passed away too soon by holding a balloon release at Reidsville Middle School on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.